Richard Fried, an attorney for the family of Kathleen Kern, said Monday the lawsuit is the first filed because of the February crash.

The crash about a mile from Lanai Airport killed three people, including pilot Richard Rooney, Kern and another Maui County planning employee. Authorities say the twin-engine Piper PA31 crashed shortly after takeoff and immediately burst into flames. Three other county workers suffered burn injuries.

Officials for Maui Island Air Inc., and Maui Aircraft Leasing LLC did not immediately return a phone call and email seeking comment from The Associated Press. State records show the companies have ties.

UPDATED PHOTOS: Lana'i plane crash wreckage, victims

1 of 20

Wreckage of the Lana'i plane crash shot on Friday. This is what is left of the Piper Navajo that crashed into the old pineapple fields Wednesday. The NTSB will continue its investigation into what caused the crash.